About Carroll University
Carroll University has built its reputation around health sciences and physical therapy education within a close-knit liberal arts environment. The 2,525-student campus in Waukesha draws students who want rigorous pre-professional training without the anonymity of larger universities. With a 72% acceptance rate and middle-50% SAT range of 1060-1340, Carroll attracts solid students who value personal attention from faculty. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know their students by name, not just student ID numbers.
The financial picture tells a practical story. While sticker price hits $51,894, most families pay closer to $24,362 after aid kicks in. Graduates earn a median of $58,009 ten years out, which helps justify the typical $27,000 in student debt. Monthly loan payments average $286, manageable given the strong employment outcomes. The 97.7% employment rate reflects Carroll's focus on career-ready programs that employers actually want.
Women make up 66% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in nursing and health sciences. The Pioneers compete in 19 Division III sports with 545 total athletes, creating a spirited but academically focused athletic culture. Nearly three-quarters of students come from Wisconsin, giving campus a distinctly Midwestern feel where everyone seems to know everyone.
The financial picture tells a practical story. While sticker price hits $51,894, most families pay closer to $24,362 after aid kicks in. Graduates earn a median of $58,009 ten years out, which helps justify the typical $27,000 in student debt. Monthly loan payments average $286, manageable given the strong employment outcomes. The 97.7% employment rate reflects Carroll's focus on career-ready programs that employers actually want.
Women make up 66% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in nursing and health sciences. The Pioneers compete in 19 Division III sports with 545 total athletes, creating a spirited but academically focused athletic culture. Nearly three-quarters of students come from Wisconsin, giving campus a distinctly Midwestern feel where everyone seems to know everyone.
Academics & Faculty
Carroll University built its reputation on health sciences education, particularly its highly regarded Doctor of Physical Therapy program that draws students from across the Midwest. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the university's commitment to personalized attention in its liberal arts curriculum. With a 68% four-year graduation rate, students receive substantial academic support throughout their studies. The university excels in nursing, exercise science, and pre-professional programs that prepare students for medical and health careers. Carroll's Presbyterian heritage emphasizes critical thinking and ethical reasoning across all disciplines. The small class sizes allow professors to mentor students closely, especially important for the rigorous science prerequisites required for health professional schools.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 41.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 68.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.6%
- Retention Rate
- 78.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,009
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $108,426 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $74,576 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,326 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,797 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $62,012 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,317 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,644 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $51,273 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,618 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $43,128 |
Campus Life
Carroll's 2,525 students call a 52-acre campus in Waukesha home, about 20 minutes west of Milwaukee. Two-thirds of students are women, drawn largely by strong health sciences programs that prepare them for physical therapy and nursing careers. With housing capacity for 1,775 students, most underclassmen live on campus in residence halls that build tight-knit communities around shared academic interests.
Wisconsin winters demand serious gear, but students embrace the cold with indoor recreation and cozy study sessions. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic goals. Weekends revolve around NCAA Division III Pioneer athletics, with 545 student-athletes competing across 19 sports in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin. Students often head to Milwaukee for concerts and internships, taking advantage of the proximity to Wisconsin's largest city. The Presbyterian heritage creates a service-minded culture, though the school welcomes students from all backgrounds. Small classes and personalized attention define the Carroll experience more than flashy amenities or big-time sports.
Wisconsin winters demand serious gear, but students embrace the cold with indoor recreation and cozy study sessions. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic goals. Weekends revolve around NCAA Division III Pioneer athletics, with 545 student-athletes competing across 19 sports in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin. Students often head to Milwaukee for concerts and internships, taking advantage of the proximity to Wisconsin's largest city. The Presbyterian heritage creates a service-minded culture, though the school welcomes students from all backgrounds. Small classes and personalized attention define the Carroll experience more than flashy amenities or big-time sports.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,775 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1846
Campus Safety (2023)
22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 10°–27°F
- July Avg
- 59°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 34.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 39.5"
Student Demographics
Carroll draws primarily from Wisconsin families who value its strong health sciences reputation. Women make up two-thirds of students, reflecting the university's popularity for nursing, physical therapy, and other healthcare programs. The student body is predominantly white with growing Hispanic representation. Most students come from middle-class backgrounds, with about one in five receiving Pell Grants. The heavy in-state enrollment of 72% shows Carroll's solid reputation throughout Wisconsin rather than national recognition. Students typically choose Carroll for its hands-on healthcare training and close-knit campus community in suburban Milwaukee.
- Men
- 34.0%
- Women
- 66.0%
- White
- 71.3%
- Black
- 3.1%
- Hispanic
- 12.1%
- Asian
- 2.9%
- In-State Students
- 72.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.7%
Location
Carroll University sits in Waukesha, Wisconsin, about 20 miles west of Milwaukee. The small city of roughly 72,000 residents offers a suburban feel with easy access to Wisconsin's largest metropolitan area. Waukesha County is known for its lakes, parks, and outdoor recreation opportunities that appeal to students seeking both academic focus and natural beauty. The campus serves 2,525 students in a setting that balances small-town charm with proximity to urban internships and job opportunities in Milwaukee. With 72% of students coming from in-state, many are already familiar with Wisconsin's distinct seasons and Midwest culture. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare Carroll University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,009
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $63,904
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Carroll University?
Carroll University admits 72% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1200. The school attracts students primarily interested in health sciences and maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that supports close mentoring relationships.
How much does Carroll University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $24,362 after aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay around $18,992. Carroll's Presbyterian heritage influences its commitment to making education accessible, with students graduating with a median debt of $27,000.
What are the strongest academic programs at Carroll University?
Carroll is known for its health sciences programs and physical therapy education within a liberal arts framework. The university offers 19 varsity sports and maintains strong ties to Wisconsin's healthcare industry through its specialized programs.
What do Carroll University graduates earn after college?
Alumni earn a median of $58,009 ten years after graduation with a 97.7% employment rate. The 69.6% six-year graduation rate reflects Carroll's focus on career preparation in health-related fields that serve Wisconsin communities.
Where is Carroll University located and what is campus life like?
The 2,525-student campus sits in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where 1,775 students can live on campus. Women make up 66% of the student body, and 72% of students come from Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Does Carroll University offer athletic scholarships?
Carroll competes in NCAA Division III and offers no athletic scholarships, with 545 student-athletes participating across 19 sports. The Pioneers compete in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin, emphasizing the balance between academics and athletics.
